In the fast-paced world of aviation, one organization stands as a paragon of excellence and innovation, poised to support the aviation industry’s soaring ambitions. AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), with a heritage dating back to 1953, has consistently proven itself as a formidable force in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the core of AIESL’s operations, unraveling the critical role it plays in the aviation ecosystem and its vision for the future. AIESL’s expansive capabilities encompass Line Maintenance, Base Maintenance, Engine Overhaul, and Component Overhaul, making it the sole MRO provider in India with a presence in all four vital MRO segments.
With a commitment to quality, safety, and excellence, AIESL’s unwavering dedication to these principles has translated into a remarkable 99% plus technical dispatch reliability, assuring airlines of top-notch service. Moreover, as aviation propels into an era of sustainability and evolving industry trends, AIESL discloses its strategies for maintaining leadership, adapting to emerging dynamics, and fostering innovation through strategic collaborations and technological integrations. AIESL’s comprehensive approach and relentless pursuit of excellence make it a pioneering name in the realm of aviation MRO, poised to continue shaping the industry’s future. MRO Business Today in conversation with Sharad Agarwal, CEO, AI Engineering Services Limited. READ ON………
Q – What role does AIESL sees itself playing in the milestone 470 jets deal that Air India signed earlier this year at the Paris Air Show. What support will you be providing to the huge incoming fleet of the airline?
Ans – AIESL is gearing itself to support the fresh induction. The breakup is likely to be 200 A320, 200MAX and the remaining will be wide body aircraft including 787s. AIESL already has A320 and B787 capabilities. AIESL has already acquired Line & Base maintenance capabilities. AIESL has inducted 150 AME trainees this year and they will be getting the licenses so that AIESL is available and intends providing full support to Air India fleet expansion. AIESL has already initiated to hire nearly 1000 technical personnel.
Q – Your website mentions a range of services, including Base Maintenance, Line Maintenance, Component Overhaul, and more. Can you elaborate on these services and the value they bring to your clients?
Ans – AIESL is the only MRO in India which is present in all 04 MRO segments i.e. Line Maintenance, Base Maintenance, Engine Overhaul and Component Overhaul. With this AIESL is capable of providing complete end to end solution to all the customer needs.
Q – How does AI Engineering Services Limited ensure the highest quality and safety standards in its MRO operations?
Ans – AIESL has a well established Quality and Safety department which conducts frequent scheduled audits and spot checks. AIESL quality system has recently been recognized and accepted by international organizations i.e. EASA and FAA as well.
Q – Could you shed light on any recent advancements or technological integrations that have enhanced your MRO services?
Ans – OEMs such as Boeing & Airbus have introduced external inspection of the aircraft using Drones, use of augmented reality / virtual reality for training of maintenance personnel to enhance MRO services. AIESL has used some of these training techniques for training of their maintenance personnel. AIESL is also in the process of collaboration with M/s RAMCO Systems for computerization of various MRO activities such as e-signing of the maintenance tasks, ordering of the spare parts, generation of repair orders and Updation of manpower utilized in completion of the maintenance tasks. Such computerization shall result in faster generation of invoices for the customers, electronic record of all the maintenance activities, material consumption, manpower utilization etc. for the customer.
Q – With your extensive experience in the field, how has AI Engineering Services Limited developed specialized expertise in various aircraft types and components?
Ans – AIESL has vast field expertise as it has been the MRO service provider since 1953. Our engineers have acquired this knowledge over a period of years and passed on to the young generation. In addition, we continually upgrade our services through use of latest tooling equipments, training of maintenance personnel on latest technologies, collaborations with OEMs / vendors for maintenance of new types of components.
Q – Innovation plays a critical role in the aerospace industry. How does AI Engineering Services Limited foster innovation within its MRO services?
Ans – AIESL has a very large pool of talented manpower with average maintenance experience of more than 15 years. Whereas majority of the repair work is carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction, there are several instances wherein the structural damage to the aircraft is not covered in the manufacturer’s instructions. In such cases, engineers based upon their experience propose a repair scheme to the OEM and once approved by the OEM, the same is implemented to carry out the repair.
Q – Sustainability is a global concern. How does AI Engineering Services Limited incorporate sustainable practices into its MRO operations?
Ans – AIESL is aware of the sustainability issues. We have already started sustainability practices at all our facilities and we are working to ensure its high level in the organization.
Q – Looking ahead, what are your company’s strategic goals for the coming years in terms of expansion, partnerships, or new service offerings?
Ans – AIESL is aware that India market is expanding rapidly and is actively working to ensure that it continues to remain a single stop solution for all the MRO needs. We tend to upgrade our maintenance capabilities by training maintenance personnel on new type of aircraft, engines, new technologies. Toolings & equipments are also upgraded as recommended by the OEMs. We have upgraded our maintenance capabilities to maintain B737 MAX aircraft. We are collaborating with OEMs such as SAFRAN for overhauling of the LEAP 1A & 1B engines, which are the latest engines powering MAX and NEO type of aircraft. We have recently carried out overhaul of the A320 aircraft landing gear. We are also exploring the possibilities of conversion of passenger aircraft to freighter aircraft.
Q – With the evolving aerospace landscape, how does AI Engineering Services Limited plan to maintain its leadership and adapt to emerging industry trends?
Ans – AIESL is the largest MRO in India providing maintenance services for Airbus A320 family of aircraft, B737, B777, B787, ATR72 aircraft. AIESL has also acquired B737 MAX aircraft maintenance capability to cater to the maintenance requirement of various airlines which are in the process of acquiring this aircraft. Some of the leading airlines are in the process of acquiring A350 aircraft and AIESL has started the process for training of maintenance personnel on this type of aircraft which will help in obtaining the DGCA approval for the maintenance of A350 aircraft. AIESL is collaborating with SAFRAN Engines to obtain the overhaul capability of LEAP engines which are used on the latest Airbus Neo aircraft and B737 MAX aircraft.
Q – AI Engineering Services Limited’s emphasizes on commitment to quality, safety, and excellence. How do these core values translate into your MRO operations?
Ans – Commitment to quality, safety and excellence is the USP of AIESL and we never tend to compromise on these features. Our maintenance facilities are subjected to planned / unplanned audits internally as well as by regulators and by customers. We sincerely follow the OEM instructions in the maintenance activities. Strict punitive actions are taken against maintenance personnel in case of violation of any of the OEM instructions. AIESL also emphasizes on the use of OEM spare parts and consumables unless otherwise instructed by customers to use PMA spare parts. Our emphasis on quality & safety has resulted in 99% plus technical dispatch reliability for our customers.
Q – Collaboration often drives innovation. How does AI Engineering Services Limited collaborate with other industry players, research institutions, or technology partners to enhance its MRO services?
Ans – AIESL is collaborating with M/S RAMCO Systems for computerization of its MRO services. The software being provided by RAMCO Systems has been substantially modified based upon the requirements of AIESL which has also helped RAMCO to enhance their MRO software. AIESL is in collaboration with various OEMs for overhauling / repair of the landing gears, engines, components.
